Red Pov

I could feel the weight of the rumors pressing down on me, suffocating me with their cruel words and judgment. It wasn't the first time I had faced such accusations, but this time it felt ten times worse. In high school, it was just idle gossip whispered in the bathroom, but here, in this new environment, the whispers followed me relentlessly, penetrating every corner of my existence.

"I thought she might be different."

"I knew she had eyes for him."

"Ohh, can't wait for Aubrey to find out."

But Aubrey was the one who had started this whole mess. The irony wasn't lost on me, but I couldn't find the strength to speak up. Jacob, sensing my distress, reached out and held my shoulder, stopping me in my tracks.

"Don't listen to them, Red," he said firmly, his voice filled with unwavering support. "As long as you know you're innocent, that's all that matters."

I mustered a nod, unable to find the words to respond. Together, we continued walking, seeking refuge in the classroom where the teacher was already waiting. At least for the next thirty minutes, there would be no insults thrown my way.

As I made my way to where the guys were seated, my eyes caught Xavier staring at me. A surge of anger welled up within me, the desire to wipe that smug expression off his face almost overwhelming. Did he want to create another story through his persistent stares?

I quickly took my seat next to Dean, resting my face on the table, seeking solace. "Red, you need to stay strong," Dean whispered, his voice filled with empathy. "Trust me, news doesn't stay long here. In less than a week, it will mellow down."

"Ohh, how lucky am I?" I retorted sarcastically, knowing Dean understood the bitter tone. "I know, but it still doesn't help the fact that he's staring at me." Dean turned to glance at Xavier, who was still fixated on our table, and I overheard a few hushed whispers about it.

In that moment, I felt an overwhelming sense of loneliness. I knew the guys were here for me, but I longed to confide in someone else, to share my burdens with another soul.

"Reyes?" I thought, reaching out mentally. "Umm, are you here?"

To my surprise, he responded, his voice echoing in my mind. "Yes, love, you called."

"Ohh... umm, I just wanted to know if you're still here. You can go now," I stammered, feeling a mix of fear and anticipation. Why did talking to him suddenly make me feel scared, albeit in a strangely comforting way?

"Remember, I can hear your thoughts," he reminded me, teasingly.

Dean's words echoed in my mind, and I found myself pouring out my fears and frustrations to Reyes. I confessed my worries about the rumors spreading, the fear of being unjustly expelled, and the anguish of feeling abandoned by my uncle. I didn't want to burden Aunt May, and my friends here had been a tremendous support, but...

"But what...?" Reyes prompted, his voice filled with genuine concern.

"I just... I just want someone to hug me and tell me everything will be alright," I confessed, my voice trembling. "To assure me that all the problems I'm facing will fade away, and that I'll find the strength to endure until then."

As I spoke, warm tears streamed down my face, dampening the desk beneath me. I hadn't realized I had been crying throughout our conversation. After pouring out my heart, I expected Reyes to respond, but instead, he simply vanished. I called out his name repeatedly, but there was no answer. Perhaps my words had been too much, even for him.

"Miss Musee..." the teacher's voice interrupted my thoughts, jolting me back to reality. I hastily wiped away my tears, lifting my head to meet her gaze.

"Yes, ma'am," I replied, my voice polite but strained, desperate to hide the turmoil within.

"Mr. Caddel would like to have a word with you after class," she informed me. Confusion washed over me. Why would he want to speak with me? Ahh, shit. He must have heard about the rumors. What was I going to do? Would he believe me now? Our relationship had been strained from the start, and I was certain he harbored animosity towards me.

"Okay, ma'am," I managed to say, my voice barely concealing the anxiety clawing at my insides. She nodded, returning to her explanation, but my thoughts were consumed by the impending conversation with Mr. Caddel.

"What do you think he wants?" Jacob whispered.

"I guess he found out about the rumors and wants to confront me," I replied, my thoughts filled with trepidation.

"Nah, Mr. Caddel doesn't get involved in gossip, but since you're his student now, I guess he would... Sorry, Red," Jacob said, his voice heavy with sympathy.

Sorry. That one word echoed in my mind, a reminder of the pity and helplessness I felt. I wished for strength, for someone to reassure me that everything would indeed be alright. But for now, I had to face whatever awaited me, relying on my own resilience to weather the storm.

<<<<<<<

"Come in, Red," Mr. Caddel's voice resonated from inside his office. As I turned the doorknob, my heart thumped erratically in my chest. It amazed me how my composure seemed to crumble whenever I was around him, despite my usual ability to keep my cool.

"Yes, sir," I replied, stepping into the room. What did he want to discuss this time? Would he blame me for the rumors, accusing me of carelessness or foolishly associating with Xavier?

"How are you feeling today?" His unexpected question caught me off guard.

"Huh?" I stammered, taken aback by his inquiry.

"I mean... I hope you're feeling good today, not sad," he clarified, his tone tinged with a hint of discomfort. There was something more beneath the surface, a concern that went beyond our usual professional interactions. Was he genuinely worried about me?

His presence in the room, looking dashing and handsome in his suit, didn't help my fluttering emotions. Stop it, Red. Don't let your mind wander.

You sound like a pervert, Red.

"Sad about what, sir?" I managed to ask, my curiosity piqued.

"The rumors, Red. The teachers and guardians are already aware of them," he revealed.

"What?" I gasped, feeling a wave of embarrassment wash over me. How could they know? It had only started yesterday. I took a step back, desperate to leave the room as quickly as possible.

"Red, wait!" Mr. Caddel stood up abruptly, his urgency evident as he moved closer to me. I couldn't let him witness my emotional breakdown. I couldn't.

I lowered my head, blinking rapidly, trying to hold back the tears threatening to spill.

"I-I'm s-sorry, sir, but I need to leave," I stuttered, my voice trembling. I moved away, heading towards the door. I would explain everything to him tomorrow, but right now, I couldn't bear the fact that everyone already knew. Worse, they would believe it. Of course, they would. I was nobody here, and no one knew a thing about me. I had made the mistake of associating myself with the principal's son.

I tried to open the door, but it refused to budge. "Please, open! Why won't you open?" I twisted the handle repeatedly, but it remained stubbornly locked. Suddenly, someone yanked my hand away from the door, and I realized Mr. Caddel had been watching me the whole time, witnessing my breakdown.

Dizziness washed over me as I stood so close to him. I had to remain strong, so I quickly withdrew my hand from his touch.

"Red... You didn't let me finish," he said softly, his voice filled with understanding. "What I meant to say was that the school knows about the rumors, but I trust you. You didn't do anything wrong. I don't understand why people are making such a big deal out of it. It's normal for students to have relationships."

"We didn't do anything," I whispered, my gaze lowered, tears streaming down my face. I tried to wipe them away, but they continued to flow uncontrollably.

"I know," he reassured me, and relief flooded through me, knowing he believed me. In that moment, all I longed for was a comforting hug.

As if he read my mind, I felt his touch, his arms wrapping around me in a tender embrace. I didn't dare move, afraid that he might retract his support. Instead, I allowed myself to succumb to the vulnerability I had been suppressing, and the floodgates of my emotions burst open. Tears poured forth, unrestrained, as I cried with every ounce of strength within me.

"It's okay... Everything will be alright. You just need to hang on a little bit longer. For now, be strong," he whispered, his words a soothing balm to my wounded soul. He continued to stroke my hair with gentle tenderness, momentarily easing the weight of my troubles.

"What did you say?" I managed to ask, my voice muffled by tears and sniffles.

"Ohh... Umm, I said you will be fine. That's all," he replied softly. I hesitated to believe his words, unsure of their truth. However, in his embrace, surrounded by his warmth, I allowed myself to entertain the possibility that he might be right.

"I hope so," I murmured, hugging him back gently, seeking solace in his presence. He tightened his grip, as if silently promising not to let go. And in that moment, I found solace and a glimmer of hope that, perhaps, everything would eventually be alright.

Hope you enjoyed this Chapter ❤️